Winter, Awake!
What’s inside...
The coming of winter plays an important role in the cycle of nature. In this delightfully illustrated story, young children can learn that 'for every thing there is a season'. Winter, Awake! tells the story of a year when Winter refuses to wake up, despite the efforts of the tired trees needing rest and their fallen leaves providing a blanket for sleeping seeds. All the woodland creatures try various methods to wake Winter, but it is not until the round red ladybird whispers gently in his ear that mighty Winter finally awakens.
Discussion points
How do you think the forest feels when winter arrives?
What do you think the animals do during winter in the story?
Why do you think the tree wanted to wake winter up?
Can you imagine what it would be like if winter didn't come? What would change?
How do you feel about the different seasons and which one do you enjoy the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a cozy reading environment, perhaps mimicking winter's feel with blankets or a cool room, to make the story's setting come alive.
While discussing the book, relate the seasonal changes in the story to those your child experiences or observes in their own environment.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between their own feelings and reactions to different seasons and those depicted of the characters in the book.
Emphasize the imagery of the book, asking your child to visualize and describe their own winter landscape.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story before turning the page, fostering anticipation and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding seasons
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling and vivid imagery, 'Winter, Awake!' introduces children to the concept of seasons, particularly focusing on winter. The narrative shows how the world transforms with the coming of frost and snow.
Real-World Application: Children can relate the book's content to their observations of seasonal changes in their environment, helping them to understand and anticipate natural cycles.
Example Lesson: Patience and anticipation
Explanation: The story builds anticipation for the arrival of winter, teaching children the value of patience as they wait for the first snowfall along with the characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop patience in real life, teaching them to await eagerly but patiently for events or seasonal festivities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding different perspectives
Explanation: Different characters in the book have different reactions to the onset of winter, encouraging children to understand and empathize with various perspectives and emotions about a change or event.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing and respecting different feelings and views among their peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Joy in nature's beauty
Explanation: The book portrays winter's arrival as a beautiful and magical event, inspiring joy and wonder towards nature's beauty.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and find joy in their natural surroundings, promoting outdoor play and exploration.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: As the characters prepare for winter, the story teaches the importance of adapting to changes in the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being prepared and flexible, skills that are beneficial when dealing with changes in weather, routines, or even moving to a new environment.